Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg helps raise £100k at Golders Green charity's award ceremony (From Times Series)

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg helps raise £100k at Golders Green charity's award ceremony

12:20pm Thursday 26th November 2009 in

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AN INTERNATIONAL fashion icon received wide acclaim at a fund-raising event which helped raise a “phenomenal” £100,000 for a Golders Green based charity.

About 300 women gathered for a luncheon at a central London hotel last week for Jewish Care's Woman of Distinction award ceremony.

This year's recipient was New York based designer Diane von Furstenberg who has been accredited with pioneering worldwide fashion and business trends. She was also honoured for her work as a women’s rights campaigner.

Speaking at the event, the Belgian-born daughter of a holocaust survivor, who is also known for work as a philanthropist, said: “The immense joy and satisfaction you get from giving – there is no greater privilege.

“I salute Jewish Care and all the work you do.”

The Sylvia Rind award was presented by Dame Gail Ronson, Jewish Care’s deputy chairman, who praised the “inspirational” winner. There was also a letter of support from the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown.

The event helped raise £100,000 for the charity, which is based in Golders Green Road, to help support projects that work with people suffering from mental health disabilities across London.

Nicola Loftus, chairman of Jewish Care’s Woman of Distinction committee, said she was “proud and privileged” that Ms von Furstenberg had accepted the award.

She described the response to the lunch as “phenomenal”, added: “It is doubly impressive considering the financial climate and it is a real thrill to see so many prominent, successful and dynamic women together in one room.”

“I am particularly moved by Jewish Care and think it is truly amazing that our community has the largest care charity in Europe, which provides nearly £50m worth of health and social care support, often where there are no viable alternatives.”